Cyprus · June 2027
The Island of Missing Trees
A reading week in Larnaca inspired by Elif Shafak
Seven nights in Cyprus with a beautiful book at the centre of the experience. Read, explore, talk about the novel and discover the island that lies behind it.
The Books in Places experience
A book that belongs to its place
Some novels change when you read them in the place where they are set. The Island of Missing Trees is one of those books.
Elif Shafak's beautiful novel moves between Cyprus and London, weaving together love, memory, loss and the complicated history of the island. At its heart is a fig tree that witnesses generations of human stories.
We'll spend a week in Larnaca with the novel at the centre of our conversations, while leaving plenty of time to read, relax, explore and simply enjoy being in Cyprus.
At a glance
Your week in Cyprus
7 nights
A relaxed week based in the heart of Larnaca.
Elif Shafak
Read and discuss The Island of Missing Trees throughout the week.
Larnaca
Stay close to Finikoudes beach, cafés, tavernas and the seafront.
Rooftop pool
A stylish hotel with a rooftop pool and space to slow down with your book.
Book discussions
Hosted evenings over dinner, plus our A Book I Love evening.
Solo-friendly
Most guests travel alone, with your own room and plenty of shared experiences.
The book
The Island of Missing Trees
A story of love, memory and belonging, rooted in the landscape and history of Cyprus.
Kostas and Defne meet and fall in love in Cyprus during the 1970s. Their relationship is shaped by the division of the island, while the consequences of those years continue to echo through their lives.
One of the novel's most memorable characters is not human at all. A fig tree becomes a witness to the lives, loves and losses of the people around it.
You'll get much more from the trip if you've read the novel beforehand, but you don't need to be an expert. The book club is about sharing ideas and discovering different ways of reading the story.
The setting
Larnaca by the sea
We'll stay in central Larnaca, close to Finikoudes beach and the seafront promenade.
This makes it easy to slip between reading and exploring. Spend the morning with your book, wander through the old streets, stop for coffee or lunch, or settle beside the sea for a while.
The Josephine Boutique Hotel is a small, contemporary base with 30 rooms, a rooftop pool, restaurant and bar. The beach, cafés, restaurants and shops are all within easy reach. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Why Cyprus?
The island is part of the story
The Island of Missing Trees isn't simply set in Cyprus as a backdrop. The island's history, landscape and divisions are woven into the story itself.
Staying here gives us the chance to think about those themes differently. We can explore Larnaca, spend time beside the Mediterranean and discover more of the landscape that gives the novel its sense of place.
There will also be opportunities to explore further, whether that's an organised outing, a visit to nearby historical sites or simply following your curiosity.
During the week
Read, explore and slow down
This is deliberately not a packed sightseeing itinerary. There is plenty of space to enjoy Cyprus at your own pace.
Explore Larnaca
Wander the old streets, discover cafés and tavernas, and spend time along the seafront.
Discover the wider island
There will be opportunities for optional excursions and outings beyond Larnaca, including historical and archaeological sites.
Reading time
Make time for the book
Read beside the rooftop pool, over coffee, by the sea or back in your room. The days are deliberately unhurried.
The book club
Talk about what you're reading
We'll gather over dinner for conversations about The Island of Missing Trees, followed by our special A Book I Love evening.
The Books in Places difference
Come for the book. Stay for the experience.
We don't believe a reading holiday needs a packed itinerary. Sometimes the best part of travelling with a book is having the time to sit with it.
Add a beautiful destination, good food, interesting conversations and a group of fellow book lovers, and you have something rather different from an ordinary holiday.
Where you'll stay
Josephine Boutique Hotel
The 3-star Josephine Boutique Hotel is right in the centre of Larnaca, close to Finikoudes Beach and the lively promenade.
Rooms are modern and bright, with private balconies, air conditioning, free WiFi and tea and coffee making facilities.
There's also a rooftop swimming pool, restaurant and bar, giving you somewhere to relax without needing to go anywhere at all. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Travelling alone?
Come on your own. You won't be on your own.
Most guests on Books in Places trips travel alone, and single occupancy is standard on this trip.
You'll have your own room, but plenty of opportunities to meet everyone else over dinner, during book discussions and while exploring Larnaca.
And there is no expectation that you have to spend every minute with the group. Read by the pool, wander off for a coffee or spend an afternoon beside the sea.
What's included
Your week in Cyprus
The main travel arrangements are taken care of, leaving you free to enjoy the book and the place.
- 7 nights at the Josephine Boutique Hotel
- Double or twin room for sole use
- Breakfast every day
- Three buffet dinners with wine and water
- ATOL-bonded flights
- Return transfers from Larnaca Airport
- Hosted reading and book discussions
- A Book I Love evening
June 2027 · 7 nights
Join us in Cyprus
A week for book lovers who want to read, explore and enjoy Cyprus at a gentler pace, with Elif Shafak's beautiful novel at the heart of it.
Book with Friendship Travel